Key Facts
- ✓ Teagan Croft has been cast as Rapunzel and Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider.
- ✓ Scarlett Johansson is no longer available for the role of Mother Gothel.
- ✓ The film is directed by Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman).
- ✓ The original 2010 animated film grossed $592.5 million worldwide.
Quick Summary
Disney's upcoming Tangled live-action film has officially found its leading stars. Teagan Croft will step into the role of Rapunzel, while Milo Manheim has been cast as Flynn Rider. These castings represent the first two key roles to be finalized as the project moves into production.
The film is moving forward following a delay in casting, specifically regarding the role of Mother Gothel. Scarlett Johansson was originally attached to the villainous role but is no longer available, leaving the part vacant for future casting. The production is being helmed by director Michael Gracey, best known for The Greatest Showman, with Kristin Burr producing and Jennifer Kaytin Robinson writing the script.
The New Cast of Tangled
The live-action adaptation of the beloved 2010 animated classic is taking shape with a new generation of actors. Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim will portray characters originally voiced by Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi, respectively. The casting decision was finalized after Disney moved forward with the casting process last month.
Teagan Croft brings a significant resume to the role of Rapunzel. The Australian actress is widely recognized for her portrayal of Rachel, also known as White Raven, in the television series Titans, which ran from 2018 to 2023. She also starred as Jessica Watson in the Australian biographical drama True Spirit.
Milo Manheim is set to play the charming thief Flynn Rider. He is best known for his role as Zed in the Disney Channel Original Movie franchise Zombies. Additionally, Manheim currently stars as Wally in the Paramount+ series School Spirits. His background also includes a second-place finish on Dancing With the Stars during Season 27.
Production Team and Context
The film boasts a high-profile creative team behind the camera. Michael Gracey, who directed the critically and commercially successful The Greatest Showman, is attached to direct. The film is being produced by Kristin Burr, known for her work on Freakier Friday and Cruella. The screenplay is being written by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, whose credits include Thor: Love and Thunder.
Development for the live-action Tangled was first reported in December of 2024. The project is based on the 2010 animated film, which was a massive success for the studio. Upon its release, the original movie garnered plenty of positive reviews and grossed $592.5 million worldwide, cementing its status as a modern classic.
Disney's Live-Action Strategy
The road to production for Tangled highlights the shifting strategy within Disney regarding live-action adaptations. The struggles of this year's Snow White reportedly gave the studio a brief pause on the genre more generally. However, the subsequent box office success of Lilo & Stitch appears to have revitalized the studio's confidence and gotten the ball rolling again on these types of projects.
Tangled is part of a larger slate of live-action adaptations currently in development at Disney. The studio is also working on:
- A Beauty & the Beast spin-off focusing on Gaston
- Adaptations of Hercules and Bambi
- A live-action Moana, which is scheduled for release in July of this year
With the casting of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider now complete, the focus will likely shift to filling the remaining key role of Mother Gothel, which remains vacant following Scarlett Johansson's departure.
